Cox pledges $20M per year to bridge internet-access gap

WEST WARWICK – A Cox Communications survey shows 91 percent of parents agree that low-cost internet service at home helps students get ready to graduate and 89 percent believe students get higher grades as a result of having internet at home.

The broadband company has offered Connect2Compete, its internet program for those with low incomes, for almost 20 years now, providing technology to students and their families.
The recent parent survey of more than 1,700 Connect2Compete participants showed that most feel internet makes it easier to communicate with teachers and the school (95 percent), sets kids up for success (94 percent) and makes kids more interested in school work (88 percent).

At a Washington, D.C., press conference, Cox President Pat Esser announced a $20 million annual commitment to the cause.

“With convenient, reliable internet access at home, students can readily focus on their school work, explore their passions and ultimately reach their full potential,” said Esser.

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More than 400,000 people have been connected to the internet via Connect2Compete.

According to the survey, most Connect2Compete customers are first-time internet users in need of digital literacy. Cox Communications offers free training and resources through the Cox Digital Academy.

Susan Shalhoub is a PBN contributing writer.